Solid State
Introduction

Of the three states of matter, solids possess the most structural diversity. Intermolecular forces and thermal energy are the two factors on which physical state of matter depend. While the intermolecular forces of attraction tend to keep the particles closer; the thermal energy tends to keep the particles apart from each other by making the atoms of the particles move faster.
When the net resultant of these two opposing forces, i.e. intermolecular forces and thermal energy, makes the particles bind together and forces them to occupy fixed positions, matters exist in solid state.

Characteristic properties of solid state:

1. Solids have a definite mass, volume and shape.
2. Solids are incompressible and rigid or they possess a high tensile strength.
3. In solids, intermolecular distances are very short.
4. In solids, intermolecular forces are very strong.
5. The consecutive atoms in solids have fixed positions.
6. The constituent particles of solids can only oscillate about their mean positions.
7. Intermolecular forces are highest in solids.
8. Thermal energy is lowest in solids.